Little Creative Factory

Clothing for children aged from 0 to 99, designed as unique pieces with the intention of creating fewer but better pieces - this is exactly what Little Creative Factory offers. The brand, originating from Barcelona, seduces us with its original collections, its attention to detail and, as it name suggests, with its creativity. Little Creative Factory has a pure passion and desire to create a children’s brand that is true to the designer’s ideals. Dive into the universe of Little Creative Factory, you won’t be disappointed. ﻿
Find out moreClose

interview with cristina fernandez
founder of little creative factory
Cristina, the founder of Little Creative Factory, welcomes us into her office situated right in the heart of Barcelona, in the fashionable and artistic quarter El Born. We are intrigued to discover the atelier where Cristina and her team find inspiration. Behind her aquamarine eyes, lies a dynamic woman guided by her dreams. Cristina is in love with nature and needs to feel the ocean near her in order to find balance. Her children, Ona (Catalan for wave) and Roc (Catalan for stone) are her two biggest sources of inspiration. On her patio filled with nature and life, Cristina tells us about her journey - of how Little Creative Factory began and the philosophy behind her brand.

Tell us how Little Creative Factory began!

Generally in life, we can either see the glass as half empty or half full… When the economic crisis began in Spain, I decided to see my glass as half full. I was convinced that this period could be synonymous with opportunity. During this time, I created a Japanese fabric hat for my daughter, Ona. My friends and people in the street would stop me and ask where I had bought it. So, I decided to make a few more and that is how Little Creative Factory was born. It was an unexpected mix of a fabric hat for my daughter and an opportunity that life gave me!

What is the best advise you’ve been given?

Follow your dreams… And that is exactly what I did. I consider myself to be a dreamer who had the chance to make my passion my trade.

What are your “little creation secrets”, how do you work?

Originally, I was an architect and worked for a few years at a Studio designing large buildings. For me, it’s natural to envisage ideas with shapes and volume. With fashion collections, it’s sort of the same thing. It all starts in my head; I think of forms accompanied by fabrics and colours that I note and sketch in my notebook. That’s how my new creations see the light of day. It starts with a concept, a three dimensional idea that is then drawn in two dimensions. Ultimately, fashion and architecture are two three dimensional art concepts.

The children’s clothing market has evolved enormously over the past few years. How do you make your brand stand out?

We try to make each collection different and a reference point. We want our collections to have content and to send a message to society. It’s not just about making pretty dresses or different jackets. We want children to have an experience with our collections. We want them to play and wear our pieces without any rules. They are clothes that have been designed to express the personality of each child through a play between blends and juxtapositions. Our ideas don’t follow trends, they are timeless and evolve with the children they are designed for.

What motivates you during difficult times?

It’s true that there are difficult times, tough periods where unexpected issues arise as well as complicated situations, but it’s all worth it when you see positive results. For example, two months ago, Little Creative Factory became the first brand to be invited to the last edition of the Petite Parade Kid fashion show during New York Fashion Week. It was an absolutely incredible experience! We forgot about all the hours of work, all the agony and fear because we were where we wanted to be. Our clients are very important to us. Whenever one of them sends us a message with a photo of our designs worn by their children, it’s very motivating! it’s moments like this when we realise that all the tough moments have their advantages, and that gives you the strength and energy to continue to work hard and…fulfil your dreams.

What do you do to balance your work and family life?

For me, the most important thing isn’t about the quantity, but about the quality of the time spent with my children. When I’m with my 5 year old daughter and my 2 year old son, I forget everything else. Emails don’t exist, nor do upcoming meetings or WhatsApp messages… These moments are the most important, my children have to feel that they are my priority and there is nothing more important than that. I need these family moments too - to laugh with them, to play and to give to them cuddles are all things that are essential in order to go back to work with more energy.

Can you tell us about some of your current and upcoming projects?

We have a lot of ongoing projects: collaborations with bloggers, fashion shows in New York, the development of the brand on the Asian market (this year will be the first time we participate in Playtime Tokyo)… and others that are in stages that are too early to talk about! We never stop dreaming and luckily a lot of these dreams are coming true bit by bit!

What are some of your favourite fashion brands?

Those that are moving, that have something to say, that evoke emotions and leave room for imagination… but I do admit I am very drawn to Spanish brands!

What do you like about Smallable?

When you talk about Smallable, you’re talking about fashion and trends with two big capitals. Smallable is a referent each season, an incredible selection of brands and products that we are thrilled to be part of. I love the Smallable style with its unique French charm. I’d also like to mention its team! Professionals who take care of each collection that we present them with. It’s extremely easy and enjoyable to work with the Smallable team.

What are your favourite must do kids activities in Barcelona?

We are very lucky to live in Barcelona because there are lots of activities to do with the children. Nothing is easier or more enjoyable than exploring the city by bicycle or going for a walk by the sea and getting a delicious ice cream while listening to the waves. For garden enthusiasts, I would advise Parc de l’Oreneta where there is a little steam train and lots of play areas for the little ones. I also like Parc del Laberint d’Horta a lot, with its aisles of cypress trees that lead to a beautiful pond filled with goldfish. If you would prefer to visit a museum or gallery, I would suggest you go to the Plom Gallery or to Cosmocaixa. The Plom Gallery is an art gallery geared towards children; a unique space in Barcelona which stimulates children’s creativity, imagination and self-confidence. They aim to create an emotional bond between children and art.
With its Foucault pendulum and activities for children, Cosmocaixa also has a magical forest with exotic animals. Cosmocaixa is always a great experience for both children and adults. This large museum holds a planetarium and a host of fun and educational activities which open children up to new horizons.
I advise taking a look at the website www.mammaproof.org where you’ll find lots of original ideas for activities to do with children.

A place you go to disconnect?

Cadaqués…To listen to the waves…It’s a small fishing village in Costa Brava at the end of a long road. When you’re there, time stops. The blue of the sky blends seamlessly with the blue of the sea, the white houses are so inviting and its little hidden coves are a real paradise.

Where is your next/was your last holiday?

My last holiday was in Marrakech, the inspiration for our next summer collection…and that is all I can say! The next trip will be a mix of tranquillity on the isle of Formentera, and of unrest in Japan where we will be presenting our new collection at Playtime Tokyo.

What are the most played songs on your current playlist?

I’m very eclectic in terms of music. It depends on my mood and the moment. However, I have grown up with an appreciation for film music. The music from Amelie fascinates me; it takes me on a journey to Paris, makes me smile and puts me in a good mood. Mary Poppins was also one of my favourite films when I was little and now I really enjoy singing all the songs with my daughter Ona. As you may know, Amelie and Mary Poppins are two beautiful films, funny, with a touch of innocence - a real characteristic in dreamers!